The Friends of the Fox Quarterly Newsletter

Summer 2014Summer 2014Summer 2014Summer 2014

It has been an extremely good season so far for boating on the Winnebago system. Water levels were very high early and stayed high into July. Only now, halfway through August, do we have below average water depth on the Upper Fox River. The Fox River had enough water depth again this year for boats needing 30” to come through the Eureka lock and on up to Berlin, for the Berlin Boat Club’s Annual Corn Roast the 2nd weekend in August. Even the algae bloom on Winnebago has been moderate so far. Navigation depths on the Lower Fox River are holding steady at close to average. As the economy has improved, water front projects on the Fox River have started to move forward. Many of the projects are designed to improve public access, and will make recreation on the water easier and more enjoyable for everyone. The effort by Friends of the Fox (FOF) and other organizations to increase the recreational value of the Fox River is gaining momentum. It gives me a great deal of pleasure to receive requests for information from local people, and folks from faraway on how to vacation on or near the Fox River. The Rapide Croche transfer station for invasive species project has advanced to the point that the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) and the Fox River Navigational System Authority (FRNSA) held a large meeting on August 27th to accept input, and inform the public on the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) that they have been reviewing for about six months. The Historic Preservation Site Plan required by the State Historical Society has been completed. Due to the hard work by many organizations to get best practices information out to the public, the effort to combat invasive species is no longer mired in fear and superstition. When it is in op-eration, the Rapide Croche transfer station will be the only access point to the Winnebago system that has both a process, and trained staff cleaning every single boat. I know the closing of the Menasha Lock has been a great concern, and setback for everyone promoting or using the Lower Fox Lock system this summer. FOF board has been following this closely. There is an article on page 5 of this newsletter by Steve Lockhart to update you on the progress of the repair. Steve is our FOF treasurer, as well as an engineer, and has a good understanding of large scale machinery. FRSNA, in spite of this set back, has been making steady progress on the last remaining projects required to reopen the Lower Fox to through navigation. It always amazes me to attend their board and committee meetings, and listen to all the acronyms and government terminology. It is an unusual, but absolutely re-quired skill set they have acquired, almost a foreign language. FRNSA has been remarkably careful with their funds to restore and operate the lock system on the Fox River. FOF would like to thank FRNSA for all of the hard work they are doing to complete the large project of

restoring the Fox River and Winnebago pool lake system to a flourishing navigational system! Article by Dave Peck, President

See foxlocks.org for up to date information on the Rapide Croche transfer station and the outcome of the public meeting.

Message From Our President Message From Our President Message From Our President

Friends of the Fox P.O. Box 741, Appleton, WI 54912-0741 friendsofthefox.org

RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT DISPLAYS WERE SHARED BY THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS

Renee Travola ~ Trinova Designs Kris Oates ~ River Heath and Evergreen Apartments Susan Marjenka ~ Fox-Wisconsin Heritage Parkway Ed Kleckner ~ Arial overview of De Pere’s river walk and wildlife viewing area showing the new bridge and the De Pere lock tender house Bob Stark ~ A miniature lock display explaining the cleansing at the Rapide Croche transfer station, along with an explanation of how the process will function

BOARD ELECTIONS WERE HELD AND THE FOLLOWING MEMBER WAS RE-ELECTED

FOR A THREE YEAR TERM

Mark Geall

THE FOLLOWING BOARD MEMBERS RESIGNED

Tom Baron Bob Stark

Friends of the Fox would like to extend our sincere thanks to all who c on t r ib u te d t o ou r 2 01 4 “Moving Forward on the Beautiful Fox River” Annual Meeting which took place on May 17th. The event was held at the beautiful and spacious Riverview Gardens overlooking the lovely gardens and Fox River. Riverview Gardens and Stone Cellar Brewpub have partnered together offering great event opportunities in the Appleton area. The service provided to us by Stone Cellar Brewpub was extra ordinary. This organization caters to non-profit organizations and events. The call to order for our general meeting was given by Dan Reinhold, our Master of Ceremonies. This was followed by a welcome greeting from President Dave Peck. Dick Abb presented those officers up for re-election and handled elections of the board of directors.

WE ENJOYED A BRIEF POWER POINT PRESENTATION BY THE FOLLOWING

INDIVIDUALS

Dave Peck ~ City of Berlin waterfront development Ed Kleckner ~ Progress on the Trestle Trail across from Pullman’s at Trolley Square Bob Stark ~ Buoys and opening of the Kaukauna locks and Rapide Croche transfer station

A VERY SPECIAL THANKS TO THE

FOLLOWING FOR CONTRIBUTING TO THE EVENING SUCCESS!!!!

Dave Peck Richard Abb Ellen Balthazor Brunhilde Courtney Steve and Betty Lockhart Dennis and Mary Orvedaht Dan Reinhold Karin Whealon Riverview Gardens Staff Stone Cellar Brewpub Staff

Meeting Highlights & Board ReMeeting Highlights & Board Re--Election Election

Page 2

2014 Annual Meeting 2014 Annual Meeting

Annual Meeting ContinuedAnnual Meeting Continued Sponsors & ThankSponsors & Thank--you’s you’s

Page 3

MAIN SPONSORS

Riverview Gardens Stone Cellar Brewpub

DONORS FOR RAFFLE ITEMS

Tom Buedhel ~ Taxidermy Fox River Navigational System Authority Fratello’s, Appleton and Oshkosh Grapevine Beauty Shop ~ Dawn Menting

Memorial Florist, Appleton & Neenah ~ The Aykens Family Menasha Marina Pullmans at Trolley Square

Stone Cellar Brewpub

Anonymous Donors Friends of the Fox

(Alphabetical Order)

A VERY SPECIALTHANKS TO

Friends of the Fox Team

ALSO A DEEP GRATITUDE TO

Brunhilde Courtney ~ ~ ~ ~ Friends of Fox Coordinator of the Annual Meeting Dave Peck ~ ~ ~ ~ President Friends of Fox Shari Manney ~ Newsletter , Postcards & Posters

I am proud to work with such a wonderful group of volunteers. I truly appreciate your time, talents and

support! I could not do it without each and every one of you.

WHAT A TEAM!!! Written by Brunhilde Courtney

For More Information on

Riverview Gardens and Stone Cellar Brewpub: stonecellarriverview.com

Volunteers are a very special breed.Volunteers are a very special breed.Volunteers are a very special breed. They're not afraid to step in when they see the need.They're not afraid to step in when they see the need.They're not afraid to step in when they see the need.

They're always willing to lend a handThey're always willing to lend a handThey're always willing to lend a hand, , , They share their skills, talents and time. and in return, they don't ask for a dime.They share their skills, talents and time. and in return, they don't ask for a dime.They share their skills, talents and time. and in return, they don't ask for a dime.

So the next time you meet with some voluSo the next time you meet with some voluSo the next time you meet with some volunteers,nteers,nteers, Shake their hands, and let them know you're happy they're here.Shake their hands, and let them know you're happy they're here.Shake their hands, and let them know you're happy they're here.

Karl Kaufman joined the Friends of the Fox board in 2012 and then had to resign when he and his family left the state of Wisconsin. Karl is a life-long resident of Appleton and decided it was time to return to the area. We are pleased that he also decided to rejoin our board of directors. Karl's particularly interested in being a liaison between the Fox Valley Rowing Club and Friends of the Fox. Karl is involved extensively in the building and design field. Some of his expertise involves volunteering to help the D.N.R. with eagle monitoring.

Welcome back Karl...we are excited to have you back on our board of directors. Wisconsin is not the same without you!

Robert J. Stark has retired from the Friends of the Fox board of directors. Bob has served faithfully on our board since 2001. We would like to extend our sincere thanks and gratitude for all Bob Stark has contributed to our organization. Bob brought his interest and expertise of invasive species to the boat transfer station planned with the Department of Natural Resources, at the Rapide Croche lock site. Bob also served Friends of the Fox as President from 2009-2011.

We feel honored to have served with you, and wish you all of the best in your future endeavors! Thank you for your service Bob! We will miss you!

Tom Baron has retired from the Friends of the Fox board. Tom has been a faithful board member serving us in several capacities throughout the years he served on our board. Tom helped design several power point presenta-tions, and was always eager and willing to present them at public meetings. Tom was also a liaison for the Fox-Wisconsin Heritage Parkway, which started as a Friends of the Fox community project. Tom is currently volun-teering on the Fox -Wisconsin Heritage Parkway and serves on the project's Executive Board.

We feel blessed that you served on our board of directors. We wish you all the best in the future! Thank you for your service Tom! You will be missed!

Board of DirectorsBoard of Directors Page 4

Warm Welcome to Our Newest Board MemberWarm Welcome to Our Newest Board Member

Thank you for giving Thank you for giving Thank you for giving your valuable time to your valuable time to your valuable time to Friends of the Fox.Friends of the Fox.Friends of the Fox.

Your selfless gift of time changes our world.Your selfless gift of time changes our world.Your selfless gift of time changes our world. Friends of the Fo Friends of the Fo Friends of the Fox and our community would x and our community would x and our community would

not thrive without our team of volunteers! not thrive without our team of volunteers! not thrive without our team of volunteers! You Are Appreciated!!You Are Appreciated!!You Are Appreciated!!

Information is current as of August 13, 2014

June 27 - The upper hinge pin mounting assembly on the downstream right lock door (DRLD) failed which made the door non-operational. The lock was closed at that time and inspection revealed that there was metal fatigue in the upper hinge mounting to the door. The hinge mount was re-welded to the lock door frame and the lock was re-opened on July 3.

July 4 - The same hinge pin failed again. This time it was decided that a much more thorough inspection and analysis would be required.

July 7 - Fox River Navigational System Authority (FRNSA) consulted with experts from the Army Corps of Engineers, Lunda Construction, and OMNNI Associates to analyze the problem and recommend a solution which would hold. It was also decided that a careful inspection of the remaining 3 doors and hinges must be completed before re-opening the locks.

July 14 - The following plan was implemented:

Design and build a new hinge mounting assembly for the DRLD These parts will be manufactured in a local machine shop.

♦ Parts to be ready for installation August 13

Date: Ongoing

♦ Perform metal stress testing on DRLD using non destructive test methods

August 11 - Metal stress testing identified a damaged structural piece of the lock door. A replacement piece has been fabricated and machined.

Future plans: Subject to updates as more is learned.

August 13 -

♦ Install replacement structural piece identified August 11

♦ Test welds on other three doors - Ongoing ♦ Install new design hinge mounting

assembly - Ongoing

♦ Align the two downstream lock doors - Date to be determined

♦ Test all 4 doors - Date to be determined

NOTE: A basic principle of operation is that when the lock is filled with water, the considerable load sustained by the doors is utilized through “wedging” action to seal the door against the lock wall (and the other door). This principle depends upon a critical alignment of the door to the wall. If this is not adjusted properly, the hinge frame could bear this load and be subject fatigue failure.

This report was prepared by Friends of the Fox board member, Steve Lockhart, and Fox River Navigational System Authority Chief Operating Officer, Bob Stark. Updates can be found on FRNSA website: foxlocks.org

If boaters desire “up to the minute” information, they

are encouraged to call FRNSA at 920-759-9833

Page 5 Navigation Navigation

Page 5

Menasha Lock Malfunction and Repair Menasha Lock Malfunction and Repair

Google Map of the Menasha lock

We Simply Could Not Do it Without the Support of Friends Like You!We Simply Could Not Do it Without the Support of Friends Like You!We Simply Could Not Do it Without the Support of Friends Like You!We Simply Could Not Do it Without the Support of Friends Like You! Bemis Company Foundation

Thank you for your generous grant to continue the work on the chart brochure for Fox River and Lake Winnebago System

Parkway ProjectsParkway Projects Page 6

Parkway Launches New WebsiteParkway Launches New Website

Fox-Wisconsin Heritage Parkway (Parkway) is proud to announce the release of their new website! It has all of the information of their old site, with a brand new look and trip building capability. Please go and check it out, and see if you can you find your favorite spot in their new site listing? The site was designed to be extremely user friendly and

full of useful information. It will always be a working web-site - so if you ever come across something you think needs to be changed, please take the time to let the Parkway know.

For More Information:

office@heritageparkway.org heritageparkway.org 920-707-2965

The Parkway, as well as several volun-teers, have been working on the Little Chute lock house renovation for 3 or 4 months. They have been fortunate regarding the enthusiasm and dedication of all of their volunteers. The volunteers have put countless hours in, and saved the Parkway thousands of dollars. One of the volunteers is a plumber whose dad worked on the locks and has heard wonderful lock stories for years, and so decided he wanted to help out. They have volunteers who ask if they can come back the next day to continue to help. Other volunteers who can't give time on a specific work day, but stop by just to see the progress. Some of the lock tenders’ grandchildren have stopped by, telling their stories of visiting the lock

house as children, with warmth and love in their voices. Walkers and bikers who have passed by the structure for decades are thrilled to see the house coming back to life. This is not just a house - it means something, stands for something, and that something is filled with emotion of times past. As they continue to work on the project, the emotion is spilling into the present. If you would like to be a part of the restoration, please contact the Parkway. Several hands make light work! Detail on house go to the Parkway’s blog:

http://www.heritageparkway.org/category/lock-house-renovation/

Or to Volunteer Contact: marjenka@heritageparkway.org

920-707-2965

Little Chute Lock House gets new front door

Little Chute Lock House Renovation UpdateLittle Chute Lock House Renovation Update

Page 7

In the Parkways quest to develop the longest accessible water trail in the nation, they took a huge step forward this summer. As part of developing this water trail, the Parkway is partnering with communities to provide numerous access points at strategic locations along the water trail to encourage those with disabilities to venture out paddling. The first accessible landing was officially installed at Neenah's Shattuck Park!

The new landing was heavily used during this year's Park to Park Paddle, for which they had 221 participants. Please take some time to go check it out, and use it to launch your canoe or kayak - it makes getting in and out of the boat a breeze. Fifteen accessible landings will be build throughout the Parkway once funding for each particular site is fulfilled. Funding for this project will come from a mix of public and private sources, including foundation grant support, grant support from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, municipal contr ibut ions, corporate sponsorships, and individual donors.

Accessible Landing Packages will cost $43,150 and will include:

♦ 1 EZ Dock ♦ 2 traditional landings ♦ All the safety, signage, mapping, etc

Naming rights are available for substantial contributions.

To Make A Donation: http://www.heritageparkway.org/support-us/Accessible Landings

Parkway ProjectsParkway Projects Accessible Water Trail UpdateAccessible Water Trail Update

As the Parkway is in the midst of the Little Chute lock house rehabilitation, they have found, not unexpectedly, that the plumbing - especially the sewers - are in terrible shape. The Parkway is doing as much with volunteers as possible, and has been putting sweat equity into the house every Friday and Saturday, but

they need to hire out for the trades of plumbing, heating and electrical. Would you please consider a donation, targeted at the utility systems for the Little Chute lock house? They are in need of approximately $15,000 to repair and rebuild according to code. Or, are you a tradesman with current licenses in plumbing, heating or electrical and will donate materials and time, they would LOVE to hear from you. The Parkway is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, so all donations would be tax deductible. Faith Technologies is already donating 80 hours of electrical service, and they are paring the rest down, having volunteers to remove the old sinks, toilets and wiring. Please consider giving even $10, $25, $100 to help in this renovation. This is going to be a wonderful river asset when it is done. Also, for donations above $500, the Parkway will offer a complimentary stay at the Little Chute lock tender house, once they are open! How cool is that going to be! Stepping back in time to the 1930s .... living life and watching the lock tenders moving boaters through the locks as you sip on a tall cool glass of lemonade.

To Make A Donation: http://www.heritageparkway.org/support-us/Sponsor A Project or Event or Call 920-707-2965

Plumbing & Heating & Electrical, Oh MyPlumbing & Heating & Electrical, Oh My

IF YOU ARE RECEIVING THIS NEWSLETTER AND ARE NOT A MEMBER, PLEASE CONSIDER JOINING AT: www.friendsofthefox.or g Tab: How To Join OR CALL: 920-707-2065

P.O. Box 741 Appleton, WI 54912-0741

Our Mission and PurposeOur Mission and PurposeOur Mission and PurposeOur Mission and Purpose The Friends of the Fox is a not-for-profit advocacy group established to preserve and develop the environmental, cultural, historical, economic and quality-of-life assets offered by the Fox River.

The Friends of the Fox Quarterly Newsletter

Enclosed Are My Membership Dues to Friends of the FoxEnclosed Are My Membership Dues to Friends of the FoxEnclosed Are My Membership Dues to Friends of the Fox Sustaining Donor: $25 _____ Gold Donor: $50 _____ Platinum Donor: $100 _____

***Additional Donation ___________ If You are Receiving This Newsletter and Are Not a Member, Please Consider Joining by filling out form, enclosing dues and mailing to the below address.

Friends of the Fox PO Box 741 Appleton, WI 54912Friends of the Fox PO Box 741 Appleton, WI 54912Friends of the Fox PO Box 741 Appleton, WI 54912Friends of the Fox PO Box 741 Appleton, WI 54912----0741 Phone: 9200741 Phone: 9200741 Phone: 9200741 Phone: 920----707707707707----2065206520652065 Name:___________________ AddrName:___________________ AddrName:___________________ AddrName:___________________ Address: ________________________________________________ess: ________________________________________________ess: ________________________________________________ess: ________________________________________________ Email Address: ______________________________________Phone: ______________Email Address: ______________________________________Phone: ______________Email Address: ______________________________________Phone: ______________Email Address: ______________________________________Phone: __________________________________________________ All contributions to the Friends of the Fox are tax deductible. Friends of the Fox is a 501-C3 not-for profit corporation.

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